US President Donald Trump has eased his tone on immigration reforms, saying America needs skilled foreign workers in critical sectors. He admitted that unemployed Americans cannot easily fill complex roles in defence or technology without long training.
Speaking to Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump dismissed claims that the US already has enough talent. “You do have to bring in talent,” he said. When Ingraham argued otherwise, Trump replied, “No, you don’t.” He added that people cannot be pulled “off an unemployment line” and asked to build missiles.
Indian nationals received over 70 per cent of all approved H-1B visas in 2024 due to high demand and processing backlogs.
Trump’s comments come amid his administration’s crackdown on the H-1B visa system. In September, he imposed a $100,000 fee on new applications. The US Department of Labour also launched “Project Firewall,” investigating over 175 companies accused of misusing the visa programme.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis later ordered state universities to phase out H-1B positions. The White House maintains that Trump’s reforms aim to prioritise American workers while ensuring national interests remain protected.
